China is a great destination for families and you will be warmly received everywhere you go.
Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong
Depending on how much of the day you have left once you finally touch down at Hong Kong International Airport, head downtown and let your kids explore all the hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Hong Kong Science Museum. A jaunt aboard the Star Ferry across the harbor to Hong Kong Island is still one of the best and certainly one of the most inexpensive experiences that that city has to offer, and it's great for a family. Once on Hong Kong Island take the world's longest escalator and continue up to Victoria Peak, where a world-class selection of amusements and dining options awaits alongside the fantastic views.
Day 2: A Snapshot of Big-City Life in Guangzhou
Take advantage of the fast, reliable KCR train service and jump on an early morning Guangzhou express and arrive in plenty of time for lunch. Spend the afternoon wandering around Zhuang Yuan Fang, comparing the appearance and attitudes of Chinese youngsters with their Western counterparts. Catch an early evening sleeper to Guilin and see how easy it is to make friends on Chinese public transport.
Day 3: Arrival in Paradise
Avoid the claptrap minibuses and arrange for your Yangshuo hotel to send a car to fetch you. Spend the first day acclimatizing to West Street's (Xi Jie's) laid-back atmosphere and great cafe food. Invest a little time in arranging a few activities for the next few days. That evening take in the local show "Impression, Sanjie Liu" and marvel at the magical landscape.
Day 4: The Family That Plays Together . . .
With Yangshuo as your base, prepare to be spoiled with choices for the next few days. Activities include biking, rafting, climbing, and caving, and the list keeps growing.
Day 5: More Fun in the Great Outdoors
After an early morning swim, followed by a delicious breakfast, take a leisurely bike ride out to Liu Gong Pavilion for lunch and then head back up stream slowly, getting up close and personal with some of the most spectacular scenery China has to offer. Spend the evening souvenir shopping in town before getting a good night's sleep.
Day 6: Venturing Deep into the Dragon's Belly
After all of that great outdoors, it might be time for some great indoors in the form of psychedelic Silver Cave just south of town. If the kids enjoy their introduction to speleology, try the recommended water cave where they can splash about in primordial ooze to their hearts' content.
Day 7: The Fast Track Home
While the trains are comfortable and efficient, if time is limited, fly back from Guilin to catch your connection flight home. Everybody feels the pangs of sadness as they drive away from those strange geological formations, but don't worry: They have a strange magnetic quality that will likely lure you back.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
